The Australia-China Emerging Leaders Summit (ACELS) is the signature initiative of ACYA, designed to upskill and engage young leaders interested in the bilateral relationship.

ACELS brings together diverse cohorts of young people, and delivers an intensive program focused on fostering professional development and facilitating people-to-people connections. Whether delegates are long-standing members of ACYA, or new to the Australia-China space, the Summit equips participants with the foundation to grow, learn and be world-changers.

The summit takes place over four days and three nights in July, rotating annually between an Australian and Chinese city. Our all-volunteer content, delegates and operations teams work with the Events Director for six months to bring about the event, developing the workshops, panels and activities including the gala dinner and cultural excursion. 90 delegates are selected each year representing the best and brightest from across both countries to attend and contribute.